NASH U16 Girls hurdles champ in financial limbo

Freedom Mutanda Sports Correspondent
NYASHA Sithole is in a quandary owing to her failure to get money for air fares to participate in the African Youth Championships scheduled to be hosted by Mauritius from April 23 to 16, 2015.
The 15-year-old, , a Form One pupil at Muumbe Secondary School in Chipinge District, the reigning NASH Under-16 Girls 300m hurdles champion, burst into the limelight in March this year when she romped to victory at Peterhouse High School ground in Marondera, attracting well wishers to help her acquire a passport in anticipation of more glory in the process.

She needs at least $990 to secure a return ticket to Mauritius where the competitions will be held.
Her coach Pumulani Dube a renowned sports guru in Chipinge is confident Nyasha will raise the Zimbabwean flag high next year if she is given the chance.

“She is a goal-getter. Once an objective is given to her, she wants to achieve it. I am confident that individuals and the corporate world will help her achieve a life long dream.”

Her chaperone, Edna Siwela, echoed the same sentiments, “Nyasha wants to succed; you can see that by the look of determination she exhibits when she is training.”

Nyasha is a down-to-earth athlete whose slight frame belies her capability. Asked what her ambitions were, she shyly said, “I would like to come back home with a medal from the African Youth Championships.”

Of course, she is dreaming big. Julia Sakala, Maria Mutola and others started their athletics careers in the same fashion; today, they are household names in the industry. It remains to be seen whether Nyasha Sithole would scale similar heights. Only time will tell but her biggest hurdle so far is to get the return air ticket.

Muumbe Secondary School head, Mr John Khosa, was full of praise for the young girl who has helped put the school’s name on the map.
“Nyasha is hard working. She sticks to the training regime that her coach has drawn including the dietary requirements. However, inasmuch as the school wants to chip in, the financial constraints hinder us. In that regard, we move around with a begging bowl to everyone who has interests in the development of sport to chip in for the girl child. It is our solemn hope that she will benefit immensely from the exposure she will get once she participates in the championships.”

Those interested in helping Nyasha Sithole can contact Pumulani Dhube of Manzvire Secondary School on 0775852741.They can also contact the head of Muumbe Secondary School, Mr John Khosa on 0778902258 or Edna Siwela on 0773051284.

The time has come for the nation to tap talent from far and wide. Kenya and Ethiopia are the athletics powerhouses today largely to their scouting for talent in the so-called back of beyond, the rural areas.